“Humanity’s inclination to be kind during the coronavirus crisis is an unprecedented, uplifting demonstration of solidarity.” 

CAROLINE LUCAS

This photograph shows Octavianus Kristianto putting on a ring on his new bride, Elma Divani, during their wedding ceremony in Pamulang, Indonesia, on June 19, 2020. Pictured is their wearing of latex gloves to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We see a glimpse of the bride’s lace-like wedding dress, with beads embroidered on the sleeve. The groom is wearing or carrying a type of cream-colored flower as he is putting on the ring. The luminous, gold ring along with the bright red rose in the corner of the photograph brings a pop of color. The latex gloves have been worn for quite a while, as we can tell by the sporadic wet—perhaps sweaty—texture created by the hand and glove. The glove doesn’t fit the bride perfectly, as pictured by the minute extra room at the end of her fingertips. The groom has no trouble fitting his hands into his gloves, however. We can also tell that the bride and groom have been out, perhaps dealing with grass or soil, because of the few dirt marks on the gloves. However, despite every flaw, we see that the gold ring fits perfectly on the bride’s finger. This can signify the situation of the pandemic: in light of everything—the flaws, the disasters, the problems—at the end of the day, the ring fits because true love has not been demolished.

Photo Credit: Tatan Syuflana. Published in CNN.

This is a photograph of Becky Brown who is seen to be video-chatting her mom at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Lansing, Michigan, before her wedding ceremony on March 23, 2020. She and her husband Mike Brown decided to go through with the wedding that evening after Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order was issued in the morning, foregoing a ceremony with 120-guests that had been planned for March 28, 2020. Becky’s parents dressed up and watched via social media. This photograph is not only appropriate for the “Love” sub-exhibit but the sub-exhibit displaying different forms of communication substituting real-life interactions as well. The context behind this picture brings a sense of sadness, in that the bride’s mother could not attend the wedding, but also a sense of joy—shown by the smile on the mother’s face. It is also noteworthy that another woman is holding up the phone to make sure that love never fails. Although the situation and the actual wedding was certainly not ideal, there is still an abundance of smiling faces all around. No matter the circumstances love never fails. 

Photo Credit: Brad Atkinson. March 23, 2020. Published in USA Today Network.

Kadie Smeding walks the aisle to marry Tyler van Roosendaal in a Salt Lake City yard on April 4, 2020. The bride and groom are ready to walk down the aisle created by neighbors, friends, and family in a backyard. The bride is not seen to be wearing a mask; however, the groom is wearing a neon orange mask. This is such a robust, heartwarming setup, as we see the house flowers on the green grass by the couple. There are simple decorations, including the ribbon-like banners that create an aisle for the couple to walk down. Visibly, there are only 12-13 other guests—all masked and socially distanced. All eyes are on the couple, and smiles are seen even through their masks. Everyone is dressed up, and the bridesmaids are also present: they are wearing a short-sleeved white blouse accompanied by a long, bright yellow dress/skirt. They are also seen to be wearing a complemented mustard-yellow mask while holding some flowers. The guests are seen using their mobile devices to capture the precious moment. The wonderful spring colors shine through the picture—along with the beautiful, clear blue sky. The trees are still bare, but that’s not a problem—the bride is carrying a bouquet, and there are decoration flowers seen around the white curtain/draped-over fabric. We can also see that, on the right-hand side of the picture, there is a car stopping by to witness the wonderful occasion. A child is peeking his head out of the window with an enormous smile on his face. This intimate, special gathering proves that no matter the circumstance, we as human beings will adapt to our surroundings to spend time with our loved ones. There is no cancellation—only an adjustment. This couple did not let the pandemic ruin their happy day.

Photo Credit: Trent Nelson. April 4, 2020. Published in The Salt Lake Tribune.

This is a mural/wall painting created by a street artist Pobel, titled “Lovers” in Bryne, Norway. It shows a young couple kissing with masks on, and it is an encouragement to those who are looking for light amid the pandemic. He states, “I hope Lovers can make a positive contribution and spread some joy in people. There are many of us in need now” on Instagram. The painting seems to have been constructed in an outside setting, judging from the sunlight beaming on the surface. The boy is grabbing the girl’s leg with one arm and holding her waist with the other. There are only 4 lucid, visible colors/shades: off-white, white, blue, and black. This is an interesting choice of colors—or lack of color. The only merely bright color is coming from the blue masks they are wearing. This is an important mural to include in the sub-exhibit of “Love,” as it shows hope and light in the middle of the pandemic. It illustrates that COVID-19 cannot destroy love—rather, it might be argued that it has made love more intimate, meaningful, and valuable.

Art Credit: Pobel. March 2020. Published in RadioFreeEuropeLiberty.